About

Together with partners around the Midwest, we work to expand renewable energy adoption through innovative programs, renewable energy training, and educational events. The MREA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Our Programs & Initiatives

Each June MREA holds the longest-running grassroots renewable energy event in the nation. Save the date, June 15-17, 2018. In September 2017 for the first time, we held a second Energy Fair in Saint Paul, MN.

We’re piloting an approach for solar deployment on and off campus with four Midwest universities through professional development events, the facilitation of campus solar development teams, training, and direct technical assistance.

We’re increasing renewable energy education in Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, by collaborating with like-missioned organizations in the creation of Solar Group Buys. We couldn’t be happier to share an office within Milwaukee’s Escuela Verde!

Since 2015, our Twin Cities office has been engaged in programs to grow clean energy. We provide assistance to municipalities, universities, and other institutions to go solar and offer training to grow the clean energy workforce.

Mission

Vision

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association will provide the highest quality renewable energy education and training experiences available. Our programs and services will respond to evolving energy issues, empower people to make wise lifestyle choices, and be accessible to the broadest possible audience. We will share our success with other like-minded organizations, recognizing that we are stronger when we all work together for our common goals.

MREA Staff and Board of Directors

History

Like most good things, the idea of the MREA began in the kitchen. After reading a call to action by Richard Perez in Home Power Magazine, a group of friends took to the local farm kitchen and organized The First Annual Energy Fair, to be held at the Amherst, WI fairgrounds in 1990.

Despite a rainy forecast the Fair saw tremendous success. Shortly after, the MREA was incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with an unwavering mission to “promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.

We grew steadily, and in 1999 we moved to our permanent headquarters, the ReNew the Earth Institute, in Custer, Wisconsin. In 2009, we opened a second office in Milwaukee to better serve the urban and suburban areas of southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Then in 2015, we expanded our reach to Minnesota with a Twin Cities office.

We now manage education programs and partnerships throughout the Midwest in an effort to expand the market for renewable energy, making this once ‘alternative’ energy our foremost option. We are a member-supported organization. We appreciate your support.